§ 68. Mr. McKEAGasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the charge on rates for public assistance in Durham county for 1933 is estimated to amount to £1,312,815, representing an increase of £100,000 in the last 12 months and £400,000 in the last three years; and whether he proposes to take any immediate steps to relieve this burden on local ratepayers?
Sir H. YOUNGLocal authorities' estimates of expenditure are not submitted to me. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Carnarvon (Major Owen) on the 28th February.
§ Mr. McKEAGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will have regard to the absolute necessity of giving a substantial measure of relief to the depressed area of Durham County at the earliest possible moment?